The hike of the Pas de l'Echelle will make you discover a rich natural and historical heritage in the heart of the Salève mountain. The climb is first made by an old trail dating from the 14th century, original by its steps carved out of stone, allowing to cross the rocky bar between the Petit Salève and the Salève.
You will then walk towards the village of Monnetier and its castle built on the cliff side at the beginning of the 16th century, by François-Prosper of Geneva-Lullin. Retrace the history of the Golden Age of Geneva tourism in the 19th century, as evidenced by the tunnel of the Old Funicular and its railway that you will have the opportunity to observe during your walk.
The Station of arrival of the Cable Car, the highest point of the route, offers a superb view of the Geneva basin and the Lake Geneva.
Tips
You can extend the walk beyond the village of Le Pas de l'Echelle by taking the cross-border path to Sierne (guidebook available in local libraries). Along the way are information panels on the biological corridors created by local schoolchildren. Sights include the lakes and marshes of the islands in the River Arve, bourgeois residences in Sierne and Veyrier and the castle and chapel in Etrembières.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
0/ Parking at the Salève cable car 1/ At the cable car parking, follow the departure station on the right by Chemin Berlioz to reach the directional post «Les Teppes». 2/ At the post «Les Teppes» follow «Téléphérique Gare Supérieur par Monnetier», the next post you will encounter will be «Chemin de Veyrier». 3/ Arrived at «Chemin de Veyrier» continue towards «La Touvière». 4/ A «La Touvière» continue by following «L’Ermitage». 5/ From «L'Ermitage» always follow the direction of «L'Observatoire», you will have to go through the following directional posts: «Monnetier Église», «L'Oratoire», and «Pré Berger». 6/ Arrived at «Pré Berger» follow «Téléphérique Gare Supérieur par Monnetier» and you have arrived. 7/ Take the same route in the opposite direction to get back down and reach your starting point.
Ouverture
All year round.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Tarifs
A charge is made for the cable car ride up.
La montée en téléphérique est payante.
Contact et accès Parking de la gare inférieure du téléphérique du Salève 74100 Étrembières Haute-Savoie (74)
Balisage : Balisage départemental sur panneau métallique beige et écriture verte.
Passages délicats : Avoid taking shortcuts (unstable terrain, falling stones possible)
Slippery passage in rainy weather. A portion of the route is marked by mountain bikes, be vigilant.
